Public warned to store household pesticides safely

Abu Dhabi: Children are the main victims of poisoning from everyday household detergents and pesticides, a doctor at the Health Authority — Abu Dhabi (HAAD) said.

"About half of poison related cases involve children under the age of six," said Dr Yasser Sharif, head of Poison and Drug Information Centre (PDIC).

"Common poison cases are the result of using pesticides. Many companies distribute pamphlets to apartments, when they are not licensed or their licences are no longer valid."

He said some of the companies use the chemicals in homes even though they are for use only for agriculture or landscaping. "Some of the highly toxic pesticides are sold over the counter in India then brought into the UAE by these companies," he added.

Dr Sharif advised people, who want to apply pesticides in their apartments, to inform the landlord and neighbours as people in neighbouring flats can also be affected.

"People should check with the PDIC about pesticides before applying them. If any symptoms occur, people should immediately go to the nearest emergency unit, " he added.

"Last year, a school applied pesticide on a Friday. A pregnant teacher and three children got very ill from the pesticide," Dr Sharif said.

Careless

Dr Sharif warned against being careless in storing detergents and household cleaning products.

"People use detergents, then leave the box on a table for a couple of minutes, which is enough time for the children to drink the detergent or spray it in their eyes," he said.

"People also store detergents under the kitchen sink alongside with olive oil and other food products," he said.

Dr Sharif warned against diluting detergents in water bottles or removing the detergent from its original container.

"Mixing chemicals can be a huge issue that may trigger asthma in a close environment," he said.

Dr Sharif also warned parents about leaving cigarettes within children reach, or to smoke and leave cigarettes butts in ashtray. He also warned from consuming alcoholic drinks and leaving semi empty glasses within the reach of children.

"One full cigarette or three cigarette butts a child eats can be highly toxic," he said.

He warned parents from leaving medication in the refrigerator or on the bedside table.

He urged mothers not to leave medicines in their purse since a child could easily open the purse and have access to the medicine.